On 31 October 2023 (Tuesday), CIFU launched 𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳: 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘦𝘪𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 — a chronicle of the river’s vibrant history, which charts an engaging journey through our city-state’s rich cultural tapestry! 🇸🇬✨

The book’s authors, Dr Wong Chee Meng and Mohamed Imran Mohamed Taib, shared about how rivers are symbols of identity and continuity. As activist Braema Mathi said during the launch, we carry histories within us — the Singapore River wasn’t just a shipping channel but also a stream of memories, and of diverse ways of life that have cross-crossed and intersected with one another over years. Retired teacher Mr Wong Cheung Pok recounted how the river—with the Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall at its banks—has been witness to the arts and culture of Singapore for generations. During the community sharing, participants’ memories, anecdotes, and insights brought the tales of the Singapore River to life: how there used to be a storytelling uncle next to the river who would tell a story for the duration of the time it took for a single joss stick to finish burning; how there was a delicious dessert made of yam and sweet potatoes sold there that you can’t find anymore today; how on rainy days, children used to jump into the river to swim. All these stories testify to the value of our shared memories. 🌊

The river also prompts deeper questions about memory, heritage, and conservation. How should we choose what to preserve? Who are the custodians of our common heritage? How can we re-imagine the river as a site of renewed cultural diversity, and promote greater inclusivity? This book has prompted deeper conversations that get to the heart about what it means to be Singaporean. 🇸🇬